Brief Overview of διερωτάω (G1331: dierōtáō)

Word Details

• Transliteration: διερωτάω (dierōtáō) [dee-er-oh-TAH-oh]
• Etymology: This verb is derived from the combination of the preposition διά (dia), meaning “through,” and the verb ἐρωτάω (erōtáō), meaning “to ask” or “to inquire.” Therefore, διερωτάω carries the connotation of asking thoroughly or inquiring deeply.
• Part of Speech: Verb
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon

Primary Meanings

• To Inquire Deeply: διερωτάω primarily means to ask questions thoroughly or to inquire with a focus on gaining detailed information.
• To Question Persistently: The verb can also imply persistent questioning, where the inquirer seeks to probe or investigate a matter fully.
• To Interrogate: In some contexts, διερωτάω may be used to describe a formal or intense form of questioning, akin to interrogation.

Further Insights

• Person: Third person
• Number: Singular
• Tense: Present
• Voice: Active
• Mood: Indicative

Further Insights Explained:

• The verb form διερωτάω as presented here is in the present tense, third person singular, active voice, indicative mood. This indicates a current action being performed by a singular subject, meaning “he/she/it inquires deeply.” The active voice suggests that the subject is performing the action of questioning, and the indicative mood confirms that it is a statement of fact.

Disclaimer: The specific details provided pertain to this particular form of διερωτάω. Depending on the context, variations in person, number, tense, voice, or mood can alter the word’s meaning.

Lexicon Descriptions

BDAG (Bauer, Danker, Arndt, and Gingrich):

• διερωτάω is defined as “to question or inquire thoroughly, often with the implication of seeking a comprehensive understanding or information.”
• Scripture References: Mark 9:33, Luke 23:6

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Thayer’s Greek Lexicon:

• Thayer’s defines διερωτάω as “to ask or inquire earnestly, with an emphasis on thoroughness and persistence in seeking answers.”
• Scripture References: John 18:21

Vine’s Expository Dictionary:

• Vine’s notes that διερωτάω is used in the New Testament to describe a form of questioning that goes beyond superficial inquiries, often involving detailed or intensive questioning.
• Scripture References: Mark 7:17, Matthew 16:13

LSJ (Liddell, Scott, Jones):

• LSJ defines διερωτάω as “to ask repeatedly or in detail, often used in contexts where thorough or exact information is sought.”
• Scripture References: Luke 22:64, Matthew 22:35

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance:

• Strong’s concordance lists διερωτάω as “to interrogate or question intensively,” highlighting the depth of inquiry implied by the verb.
• Scripture References: Mark 14:60, Acts 17:11

Usage in Classical Greek Literature

• Herodotus, Histories: Herodotus uses διερωτάω to describe the act of questioning witnesses or individuals thoroughly to gain a complete understanding of events.
• Plato, Dialogues: Plato employs διερωτάω in his philosophical dialogues to represent the Socratic method of questioning, which involves deep and persistent inquiry to uncover truths.
• Sophocles, Oedipus Rex: In this tragedy, διερωτάω is used in the context of Oedipus’s relentless questioning as he seeks to uncover the truth about his origins, showing the intense nature of the inquiry.

Summary

διερωτάω (G1331: dierōtáō) is a Greek verb that means “to inquire deeply” or “to question thoroughly.” It is derived from the combination of διά (dia), meaning “through,” and ἐρωτάω (erōtáō), meaning “to ask.” This verb is often used in the New Testament to describe questioning that goes beyond the surface level, involving a persistent or intense inquiry. The word is also found in classical Greek literature, where it is used in contexts ranging from philosophical dialogues to interrogations in historical narratives. Understanding διερωτάω provides insight into the nature of questioning and inquiry in both biblical and classical contexts, emphasizing the importance of thoroughness and persistence in seeking information or truth.